The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) was awarded a $206,600 Project Grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 under the Beach Monitoring and Notification Program Implementation Grants (CFDA 66.472).
The grant will fund RIDOH's efforts to collect water samples from designated recreational beaches in Rhode Island between October 1, 2021 and March 31, 2026. RIDOH will test the samples for bacteriological water quality and notify the public when waters exceed applicable standards or are safe for swimming. This protects human health by reducing disease risk. Deliverables include water quality sampling, beach notifications and outreach, and reporting on beach water quality consistent with EPA guidance. Beneficiaries are beach visitors in Rhode Island and other locations. No subawards are anticipated under this award.